Bilateral cooperation with the USA is key for achieving the long-term goal of a global carbon market. This projects aimed to support a focused dialogue on aspects of climate change, in particular emissions trading, by providing background information and continuous reporting on current developments, as well as by supporting transatlantic communication and cooperation.

To expand bilateral cooperation with the USA in the area of emissions trading, it is necessary to closely follow political and legal developments and to start an exchange with relevant contacts. The USA  not only represents the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases worldwide but also has the organizational experiences and technical capacities to quickly implement emissions trading when turned into a priority. Accordingly, the US is therefore seen as having a special responsibility in global greenhouse gas mitigation efforts.

Following unsuccessful efforts at the US federal level, it is proving to be difficult to get emissions trading on the political agenda. However, more recent initiatives in several US states have helped to promote and stimulate such discussions. In order to change political perceptions and be able to deliver concepts and examples before legislation is developed, it is crucial that there be exchange of information and the establishment of relevant contacts.  To be able to still achieve the international target oflimiting global warming to 2°C via reductions in emission levels, this exchange would need to be promoted as soon as possible.

Thus, information on developments in the area of climate change policy needs to include not only the current main developments, but this information also has to provide a structural understanding and strategic overview of relevant individuals, institutions and initiatives. By establishing contacts with these relevant stakeholders, a continuous climate change policy can be promoted even in times of political change and – with regard to emissions trading – be implemented.

With this background, the project included:

• a background document on climate change policy and emissions trading in the USA
• four reports on current developments
• initiating and maintaining contact with relevant individuals, decision-makers, and institutions
• the concept for a visitors’ program for an exchange in the USA.